If you’re trying to stretch your money a little further, Rakuten (formerly Ebates) is honestly one of the easiest tools you can use. I’ve been using this cash back program for years, and I still tell people all the time that it’s a legit way to earn real money back on things you were already planning to buy.
You don’t have to clip a ton of coupons or chase every sale. You simply activate cash back, check out like normal, and Rakuten sends you money back on qualifying purchases.
Because this post was originally written back in the Ebates days, I’m giving it a fresh update with how Rakuten works now, what’s changed, and the easiest ways to use it to put more money back into your wallet.
What Is Rakuten (Formerly Ebates)?
Rakuten is a free cash back program that partners with thousands of popular stores. When you click through Rakuten (or use their browser extension or app) before you shop, the store pays Rakuten a commission. Rakuten then shares part of that commission with you as cash back.
It’s the same company that used to be called Ebates they rebranded to Rakuten several years ago, but the idea is still the same:
- Shop at stores you already love
- Activate cash back before you buy
- Get money back four times a year
If you’re already shopping online (or even in-store), it’s basically free money for taking one extra step.
How to Get Started With Rakuten (Step by Step)
Getting started is very simple, and you can set everything up in a few minutes.
- Sign up for a free Rakuten account.
Use my referral link here to create your account:
👉 Click here to sign up for Rakuten
Rakuten often offers a welcome bonus (for example, $10–$30) after you make your first qualifying purchase within a certain time period. The exact offer can change, so check the current bonus details on the signup page. - Install the Rakuten browser extension.
If you shop on a laptop or desktop, the browser extension is your best friend. Once it’s installed, it will pop up when you’re on a site that offers cash back and remind you to activate it. - Download the Rakuten mobile app (optional but helpful).
If you do a lot of shopping on your phone, grab the app from your app store so you can activate cash back quickly on mobile too.
Once your account is set up, you’re ready to start earning money back on everyday purchases.
How Does Rakuten Work?
Rakuten partners with thousands of stores across all kinds of categories:
- Clothing & shoes (for you and the kids)
- Beauty & skincare
- Home decor and furniture
- Toys, books, and baby items
- Electronics & gadgets
- Travel, hotels, and car rentals
- And a whole lot more
Each store has its own cash back percentage. Sometimes it’s small, like 1–2%, and other times (especially during holidays and big sales), you’ll see double cash back or higher.
Your only job is to make sure cash back is activated before you complete your purchase. Rakuten tracks the order and adds the reward amount to your Rakuten account. You don’t have to upload receipts or scan barcodes it’s all done automatically.
Five Ways to Earn Cash Back With Rakuten
There are several different ways to use Rakuten. You can use whichever fits your shopping style best (or mix and match).
1. Shopping Through Rakuten.com
The first way is to go straight to Rakuten.com whenever you plan to shop online.
- Log into your Rakuten account.
- Search for the store you want to shop at (Target, Walmart, Sephora, etc.).
- Click the store name to see current cash back offers and promotions.
- Click “Shop Now” and complete your purchase on the store’s website like normal.
After your order is processed, you’ll see the shopping trip show up in your Rakuten account and the estimated cash back earnings added.
2. Rakuten Cash Back Button (Browser Extension)
This used to be called the “Ebates Cash Back Button,” but now it’s branded as Rakuten. It’s still my favorite way to earn because it does the remembering for you.
Once you install the extension:
- It will show a small Rakuten popup whenever you’re on a site that offers cash back.
- You’ll see the current cash back percentage right on the screen.
- You can activate cash back with just one click before you check out.
For example, if you Google “toddler boy sandals” and click a store like Stride Rite, the Rakuten button will slide down and ask if you want to activate cash back. All you have to do is click it and continue shopping. No extra logins or complicated steps.
3. In-Store Cash Back
Rakuten doesn’t just work online. You can also earn cash back when you shop in person at select stores.
Here’s how in-store cash back works:
- Open the Rakuten app and look for the “In-Store Cash Back” section.
- Browse the store list and find an offer you want to use.
- Link your debit or credit card to that offer inside the app.
- Shop in-store and pay with the same linked card.
Once your purchase goes through, Rakuten tracks the transaction and adds the cash back to your account. Just double-check the offer details, because some stores have exclusions or only certain categories that qualify.
4. The Rakuten Mobile App
If you do most of your shopping on your phone, the app makes it simple to earn cash back on the go.
- Download the Rakuten app from your app store.
- Sign in with your account.
- Tap on the store you want to shop at.
- Tap “Shop Now” and complete your order in the store’s app or mobile site.
Rakuten will track the trip in the background, and your cash back will appear once the purchase is confirmed. Some stores may have limitations on mobile cash back, so always glance at the offer details if you’re unsure.
5. Rakuten Visa Credit Card (Optional)
This option is totally optional, but some people like it if they’re already comfortable using credit cards responsibly.
Rakuten offers a Visa credit card that lets you:
- Earn extra cash back on purchases made through Rakuten
- Earn a small percentage on everyday spending as well
You do not need this card to use Rakuten. You can absolutely stick with your regular debit or credit card and still earn cash back using the extension or app. But if you want to squeeze out a little more, it’s an option.
Bonus: Earn Even More With Rakuten Referrals
On top of earning from your own shopping, Rakuten has a referral program that lets you earn bonuses when your friends and family sign up and start earning cash back too.
Here’s how it usually works:
- You share your referral link with a friend.
- They sign up and make a qualifying purchase.
- Rakuten pays you a referral bonus (amount can change based on promotions).
If you’re already using Rakuten regularly, this is one of the easiest ways to bump your cash back totals, especially around the holidays when everyone is shopping.
When Does Rakuten Pay You?
Rakuten sends payments on a quarterly schedule. They call it your “Big Fat Check.”
You can choose to get paid by:
- Check in the mail, or
- PayPal deposited into your account
Your balance has to reach at least $5 before Rakuten will send a payment, so make sure your account information and mailing address or PayPal email are up to date.
Tips to Maximize Your Cash Back With Rakuten
- Install the browser extension so you don’t forget to activate cash back.
- Use Rakuten during major sales (Black Friday, Cyber Monday, back-to-school, etc.) when cash back rates are higher.
- Check restrictions for stores like Amazon and Target some departments and items don’t qualify.
- Stack savings when possible by using store sales, promo codes, and Rakuten cash back together.
- Share your referral link with friends and family to earn bonuses on top of your own shopping.
Final Thoughts: Is Rakuten Worth It?
If you’re already shopping online (or in-store at certain retailers), Rakuten is one of the simplest ways to earn extra money back without changing your entire routine. You don’t have to become a coupon queen or track every sale. You just activate the offer, shop, and let Rakuten handle the tracking.
Whether you’re saving for the holidays, trying to stretch your budget, or just want a little “extra” for fun money, using Rakuten can add up over time.
Ready to earn cash back on your next purchase?
👉 Click here to sign up for Rakuten and grab your bonus
Already a member? Let me know in the comments how much you’ve earned so far and your favorite stores to use with Rakuten.
Pin For Later
English 
Español